Why are women and children sometimes more challenging to hear than men? Maybe you have observed that some men claim they are unable to hear their wives speaking when they are detailing tasks to be done. That’s a joke, but it is fairly common for people to struggle to hear the voices of women and children. Let’s figure out why, and what you can do about it.
Comprehending high-frequency hearing loss
Females and young people frequently have voices that are higher in frequency, and this can impact how clearly they are able to communicate for people who have trouble hearing high frequencies. It’s the most prevalent form of hearing impairment.
A person may observe they can pick up on faint noises, yet struggle to make out what their kids or grandkids are saying to them. The typical frequency range for women is between 165 and 255 Hz, while for men it is between 85 and 180 Hz.
High-frequency hearing loss can make it harder to hear consonants in speech, such as t, th, ch, soft c, s, sh, f, and k, which cause speech to sound muddled.
Here are a few other sounds that might be hard to detect or hear clearly.
- Chirping birds
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-frequency musical instruments like a flute
What are the underlying factors that contribute to hearing loss at higher sound frequencies?
Age-related hearing loss may include this hearing problem. Moreover, damage to the tiny, hair-like sensory cells located in the inner ear can lead to increased difficulty in perceiving high-frequency sounds.
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds, such as those encountered at concerts or in loud workplaces or surroundings, can also contribute to the problem. Other factors that contribute to risk include heredity, specific medicines including aspirin, chemotherapy medications, and antibiotics. Cardiovascular disease is related as well.
High-frequency hearing loss in kids may impede the development of their speech and language skills. For older adults, it can include the risk of dementia, depression, and injury, causing falls.
Treatments for high-frequency hearing loss
There is no cure for high-frequency hearing loss, but getting hearing aids helps boost high-pitched sounds, making them clearer and crisper. A hearing specialist can calibrate your hearing aids at the best setting for you.
Attending a business meeting, using the phone, having meals, or talking with your grandchild can be enhanced. Many hearing aids can be connected to your smartphone and have directional microphones that enable precise sound adjustment. As a perk, you’ll make your wife happy.
Schedule a consultation if you believe you may be experiencing hearing difficulties at high frequencies.